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Learning new skills as a mum can be exceptionally rewarding - especially if you want to pursue a new career, climb up the work ladder or start your own business. If you're concerned you might be the oldest one in the class, don't be! Returning to education is commonplace these days and there are lots of options for mums who need to balance training and education with childcare and family life.

Where to start

Deciding to re-train is a big step and one that requires a lot of thought. Can you afford the time for example? How will you manage childcare? Do you have family who can help or is there an affordable creche at the college? The best way to start is to write a list of questions down and consider each one carefully. Once you have a workable plan, you can start searching for the right course.

Getting on the right course

If you have a clear idea of the skills you want to learn, finding the right course is really a case of seeking out local colleges & universities to see what's on offer. Ring the institution and ask for a prospectus or, better still - why not pop along and have a good look around whilst you're there? Many colleges offer tours and will be happy to answer any queries you might have about studying there. A visit also enables you to get a good feel for the place and possibly meet other prospective students that will be starting around the same time as you.

The type of course you embark on will be dependent on any previous qualifications or job experience you already have and could include some sort of entry examination, interview or test. These are really in place to test your level of understanding and commitment to the course and will probably mean a fair amount of studying and preparation in advance. Course places are often limited so it's important not to feel disheartened if your application is declined - finding the right course that's a perfect fit for your life and qualifications can take time.

City & Guilds

City & Guilds - There are literally hundreds of learning options with City & Guilds - from very basic entry diplomas to post graduate degrees that can help you pursue a new career pathway. The courses span 28 different industry areas and operate at over 8,500 UK learning centres, meaning there's bound to be a course at a local college to suit you. A qualification with City & Guilds is also widely recognised by employers as they work closely with professional bodies across all types of industries - a definite plus when it comes to finding that all important job!

Other types of courses

Foundation/entry courses - If you have your heart set on a completely new area of training, a foundation or short entry course is ideal. These usually run for up to a year and will teach you all of the basic ground knowledge you need to progress onto the next level. Many graduates go on to do a degree or post-grad in their chosen subject or look for employment where they can progress their skills in the workplace.

Undergraduate courses - These are basically higher education programmes available for people without a degree and can usually be done on a full or part-time basis, taking around 3 years+ to complete. The range of courses available include Higher National Diplomas (HND), Higher National Certificates (HNC), Foundation degrees (outlined above), Honours & extended degrees.

Post-graduate diploma - A post-grad is an extended learning course available for people with a degree (or similar) qualification. They can be either taught or research based and are very specialised. If you have no prior experience of your chosen subject, you might find it easier to apply for a foundation course beforehand, or embark on work experience that will contribute towards your application.

Open University

Many mums find that studying with the Open University is a viable way to learn and achieve new qualifications. A course at the OU is much the same as attending college - you are set assignments, given reading materials and projects with deadlines, except you work in your own time at home - a blessing for mums with no childcare!

Of course, there are downsides to studying at home - it can be difficult to find a quiet time for example so it's essential to set time aside each day for study. Ask your partner to take charge of bath and bed time at a specific slot each evening so you can get on with a couple of hours work, or if you're a stay at home mum, use nap times in the day or the periods when your little one is at school or nursery to study. It might mean a few little routine shifts here or there but if you're dedicated, you can make it work. Here's some comments from mum's on OH courses:-

I started studying with the OU last year. I'm just doing the assignment for my first short course (archaeology) and I'm starting an astronomy one next. I'm thinking of studying more so I can eventually teach science. Having my children means it's been a while since I studied and I am finding the assignment quite hard to word. But overall the course has been good and the support at the OU is fantastic. Lisa S

I am currently studying the health and social care course. Its great and I'm really enjoying it, I've got to brush up my study skills as I've just been offered a place at University next year! The only thing I'd say is that studying with small people around can be a bit tricky so you have to be REALLY self disciplined. Lucy O

It makes you feel so much better to be doing something! My course cost £2500 but I got funding which covered the entire cost, so now I can get out there and make a better life for me and my family. Emma S

The Open University has a lot of information on their website, including details on funding, entry requirements and course fees. We also have a dedicated page on studying with the OU.

learndirect

If you're after a course that's totally tailored to you and your needs - learndirect could be the right option for you. Whether you're brand new mum trying to scrape through on little sleep or have a brood of children to ferry around to school each day, learning can be made a whole lot easier with a flexible course.

learndirect courses are split into chunks of learning so you can attempt each section of the course at your own rate. It also has a great online support facility which means you can study primarily at home (providing you have web access) with all the usual help and advice you'd get from a tutor at college. Subjects range from IT and business communications to management and computing, whilst Maths and English are available for anyone wanting to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Course fees vary but if you choose to embark on an e-course from home, you could be looking at as little as £19.99 to get started! Alternatively you could get onto the course for free (depending on your current living arrangements, benefits and household income).

Funding for education

Education can be expensive but there are lots of resources that can help. If you're currently on benefits or in receipt of working tax credit you may be entitled to discounted course fees, a grant or indeed a free place, depending on your current financial income and living circumstances. A student loan can also help you meet the cost of fees and can be paid back in instalments once your course is completed. Borrowing money is never an ideal solution but they do tend to have low rates of interest which makes them a financially viable resource for mums keen to get back to school who don't have any additional funding.

Mum's views on returning to study

I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting a change of scene, or having a little ambition, just because we're mums. In fact, I think it's better than being the kind of mum who lives her life through her child & gets disappointed her son/daughter doesn't grow up to be a lawyer just because she always wanted to. Its just not healthy. Claire H

I started a distance learning course and fell pregnant during the first module so I am currently continuing the course whilst on maternity leave! I am glad that I started the course, I was becoming restless with no prospects of moving further at work - now I should have the potential to earn a lot more once I have passed the course which with having a baby is sure to come in use! Amy P

It's important to pursue your dreams and get to where you want academically. I haven't done anything since school but I am so excited to get back to learning - probably because I didn't learn much at school! Lana C

Studying and having a baby at the same time can be done. I had my third son in my third year at university. I had him in the November and graduated the following June. Everyone told me I would never manage but I did and to be honest it wasn't as hard as I thought, however I have a really supportive partner and parents which made all the difference. Sara W

After I had my first child I realised that I did not want to go back to my 80 hour week as a PR Manager and was wanted to find something that was more rewarding and would fit in with family life. Being a teacher had always appealed to me and I thought it was a good opportunity to give it a go. I looked up our local college on the Internet and found that it offered a one day a week course in becoming a Teaching Assistant. Within a few weeks and after paying a fee of £300, I had a place on the course. My family were able to cover child care between them, which was fantastic as my little girl was still only one year old. I was thrilled to be studying again and it was great to meet other students, many of whom were mothers like me, returning to work after having children. The course work was mostly made up of essays. It was hard at first getting used to studying again but we had a reasonable amount of time to complete modules and the lecturers were very supportive. As part of my course I did a voluntary placement in a local primary school, which ended up taking me on as a permanent member of staff once I got my qualification. I love being a Teaching Assistant - its the best job in the world! I've now got a place at university to study teacher training and am looking forward to a whole new chapter in my career." Jane B

Careers advice

If you know you want to study but aren't decided on a subject, a careers advisor can help point you in the right direction. They'll spend time with you discussing your interests and educational history, as well as the entry qualifications required for any jobs or careers you want to aim for. On top of all that, they are a great resource for finding assistance with funding and can help you locate all the contacts you need to get on the road to an affordable education!

Careers advice is free so make the most of it and ask as many questions as you can. It's also worth taking an up-to-date CV along to see if they can help you improve the layout - it's amazing what a difference a well-structured CV can make.